"rocks of the bateleur eagle" log stockade enclosing elite residences on hilltop, early evidence for sacred leadership in southern Africa, evidence for eagles in SHona culture and religion

Mapungubwe Hill

The "rocks of the bateleur eagle" refers to a significant archaeological site known as Mapungubwe Hill. This site is located in the southeastern part of Africa, specifically in the country of Zimbabwe. The term "bateleur eagle" is derived from the Shona language, which is spoken by the people of Zimbabwe. The bateleur eagle is a species of bird native to Africa, and it is often associated with the Shona culture and religion. The site is named after the bateleur eagle because of the belief that the bird was a sacred symbol in the Shona culture. The log stockade enclosing elite residences on a hilltop is a key feature of the site, providing evidence for the existence of a complex social hierarchy and the concept of sacred leadership in the Shona society.